Supee Eagles stiker, Tolu Arokodare has made it clear he’d like to stay at Ajax beyond this season. The Nigerian striker is on loan from Wolves, and his form in Amsterdam has made a permanent deal the obvious next question.
The answer depends on a buy option and reports don’t agree on its price.
The subject came up at a press conference after Ajax’s 2-0 Conference League win over Atalanta on Thursday. Mike Verweij of De Telegraaf asked whether he’d be open to staying longer.
Arokodare said the decision sits between the two clubs, and that he can’t say much about it. On his own feelings, he was clearer.
“Of course I’m open to that. I think it’s wonderful here. I love being here,” he said,
Ajax signed him in July on a season-long loan, paying Wolves a £1 million fee, according to reports. They also have an option to buy him at the end of the loan. It’s an option, not an obligation.
Neither club has confirmed a figure. So the safest reading is that it sits somewhere between €18 million and €22 million.
Wolves could also receive extra money if Ajax qualify for European football next season. Ajax are covering his full wages during the loan.
On the pitch, the move has worked. Arokodare scored on his Ajax debut in pre-season, and he’s been a regular scorer since. Counting his goal and assist against Atalanta, he’s now on around eight goals and three assists in 13 appearances this season.
The numbers differ slightly between outlets, so it’s worth checking them before you publish.
Italian journalist Claudia Esposito also picked him out as one of Ajax’s standout players ahead of the Atalanta game, calling him a physically strong centre forward.
A permanent move would also give him stability, which rarely hurts a striker’s case for the national team. Nothing needs deciding until the summer.
The loan runs to the end of the season, and that’s when Ajax will have to make their call on the option.
If he keeps scoring, a fee of around €20 million will start to look like good business for them.
